(57) A process for preparing a high surface area, wide-pore-containing, porous alumina material which comprises:

a) preparing a first alumina hydrogel by precipitating an aqueous solution of aluminium nitrate with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal or ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate, then washing said first hydrogel,

b) separately preparing a second alumina hydrogel by precipitating an aqueous solution of sodium aluminate with an aqueous solution of a strong inorganic acid, then washing said second hydrogel,

c) co-mulling the washed first and second hydrogels in the presence of a peptizing agent, wherein the weight percentage of the alumina provided by the first hydrogel ranges from 10 to 30 percent by weight, basis alumina (Al₂O₃), of the total and, adjusting, as needed the water content of the mulled material to provide an extrudable mixture,

d) extruding the product of c),

e) drying the product of d), and

f) calcining the product of e) at a temperature ranging from 500 to 700 °C.